At its essence, ergonomics is the discipline that focuses on
adapting work environments and job requirements to suit the abilities of
workers. This field aims to enhance both human welfare and the overall
efficiency of systems (1).
This necessitates a holistic comprehension
of ergonomic considerations, including physiological, psychological, and
institutional factors, to engineer work systems that prioritise safety,
effectiveness, and user comfort (2,3). This field encompasses a broad range of
factors, including the creation of instruments and machinery, the organisation
of work environments, and the establishment of operational protocols. The
primary objective is to reduce the likelihood of accidents and enhance overall
well-being (2,3).
This field of study represents an application of scientific
principles to the development of products and methodologies that prioritise
maximal efficiency and safety (4). It considers the worker's capabilities and
limitations in seeking to ensure that tasks, equipment, information, and the
environment suit each worker (3,4). The field of ergonomics aims to enhance
workplace conditions and optimise the relationship between individuals and
their occupational tasks (3,4).
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Within the field of ergonomic workplace health promotion, a range of healthcare specialists contribute significantly. The multidisciplinary nature of ergonomics allows for a comprehensive approach to workplace health. Biokineticists, physiotherapists, doctors, human resources professionals, and sports scientists can all contribute their unique expertise to create safer, more efficient work environments. By integrating ergonomic considerations into their practice, these professionals can significantly impact employee health, productivity, and overall organizational performance, positively.
The necessary skills to improve well-being in the workplace are possessed by health professionals, inclusive of researcher scientists in the area of human movement science, ergonomics, public health (workplace wellness) and physiological sciences. These experts are able to adopt ergonomic principles which would have been covered in their basic training (at MBChB or BA/BSc Honours level), to assist companies to prioritize employee health during work hours. As such, these professionals are able to adapt current office equipment, or order new ergonomically friendly office equipment as they excel in assessing workplace settings and other areas of productivity. As such, they are able to identify ergonomic risks, and assist in developing tailored solutions to address specific office needs, and more importantly, tailor approaches to the needs of each employee, given the uniqueness of each individual on staff.
Their combined expertise and skills allow them to successfully apply ergonomic principles, thus contributing to enhanced occupational well-being.
• Doctors can incorporate ergonomic principles into their treatment plans, potentially reducing the recurrence of work-related injuries.
• Occupational therapists, with their expertise in evaluating and modifying activities, are well-equipped to assess the demands of various jobs. They have the ability to recommend modifications to work procedures, tools, and environments to improve job efficiency and reduce the risk of work-related injuries (4).
• Physiotherapists can apply their knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy to assess and improve posture and movement patterns in the workplace. Physiotherapists utilise their expertise in musculoskeletal anatomy and biomechanics to assess posture, analyse movement patterns, and identify muscle imbalances that could lead to occupational pain and injuries.
• Biokineticists and Sports Scientists, who specialise in the study of human movement, can leverage their understanding of human movement to optimize ergonomic practices, reducing the risk of strain from repetitive motions. Their role in this capacity can significantly contribute to enhancing ergonomic movement patterns for employed individuals, especially those deskbound. The promotion of physical activity as part of work-life balance does not have to be limited for before the work day starts or after the work day ends. Their expertise can help minimise the risk of strain or discomfort caused by repetitive motions in the workplace (5).
• Human resources professionals, including psychometrists and employee wellness staff, can use ergonomic insights to design more effective wellness programmes and create work environments that support both physical and psychological well-being.
By adapting work environments and tasks to suit human capabilities and limitations, organizations have the potential to alleviate the burden of out-dated office equipment that may, according to published literature, are contributing to the increase in risk for posture, musckuloskeletal disease, and risk for injury. As part of health promotion, neutralising these spaces with ergonomic interventions may create a culture of health and safety that benefits employees and the organization at large.
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Ergonomics centres on integrating human considerations into the creation of items, work processes, and workplace settings (2). Additionally, it is characterised as the endeavour to adapt the system to human capabilities and limitations. This involves tailoring informed decisions, tasks, environments, tools, and equipment to accommodate the distinct attributes of human users (2,3). Implementing ergonomic principles goes well beyond simply adhering to safety guidelines; it embodies a forward-thinking strategy aimed at enhancing well-being and averting occupational musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) (2). Ergonomic interventions can substantially decrease the occurrence of ailments such as carpal tunnel syndrome, back discomfort, and tendinitis by recognising and tackling potential occupational hazards.
The workplace environment can present various risks, including recurrent motions, awkward body positions, and undue physical exertion (2). To effectively reduce the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), holistic strategies addressing physical ergonomics are most efficacious (2). Ergonomics offers benefits that go beyond injury prevention, including improvements in productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall organisational performance. Workspaces designed with ergonomic principles allow staff to work more efficiently, reduce tiredness, and maintain better focus on their tasks, leading to enhanced productivity and reduced errors. Furthermore, an organisation's dedication to ergonomics showcases its concern for employee health and safety, creating a positive workplace atmosphere and improving job satisfaction and workforce retention (2).
Ergonomic assessments are not just a nice-to-have—they are a legal requirement under workplace Health and Safety regulations. When the Department of Labour conducts audits, companies need to show that they are actively identifying and addressing ergonomic risks. But beyond compliance, investing in proper ergonomic assessments reduces workplace injuries, improves productivity, and fosters a healthier work environment for the employees. By educating future professionals on ergonomic best practices, we are not just ticking a box; we are helping to build a workforce that understands how to optimise environments for health and performance.
Ergonomics extend beyond injury prevention. Improved productivity, increased job satisfaction, and enhanced employee retention are all potential outcomes of well-implemented ergonomic interventions. As research continues to demonstrate the efficacy of ergonomic measures in reducing physical strain and improving workplace outcomes, it becomes increasingly clear that ergonomics should be more widely considered and integrated into workplace wellness strategies. The potential for ergonomics to contribute to public health on a broader scale is significant, making it an essential consideration for health practitioners across various disciplines.
In conclusion, the importance of ergonomics as a discipline for workplace wellness cannot be overstated. Its integration into the practices of health practitioners offers a powerful tool for promoting health, preventing injuries, and enhancing overall well-being in the workplace. As such, greater emphasis should be placed on incorporating ergonomic principles into the training and practice of health professionals, as well as into organizational policies and workplace design. By doing so, we can create work environments that not only protect employees from harm but actively contribute to their health and well-being.
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References:1. Annisa, R., Hidayat, R., Winarso, K., Agustina, F., & Salimah, S. F. (2022). Ergonomics Leg Prosthetic Redesign Using An Anthropometric Approach. In MATEC Web of Conferences (Vol. 372, p. 8005). EDP Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/202237208005
2. Buckle, P., & Stubbs, D. (1989). The Contribution of Ergonomics to the Rehabilitation of Back Pain Patients [Review of The Contribution of Ergonomics to the Rehabilitation of Back Pain Patients]. Occupational Medicine, 39(2), 56. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/39.2.56
3. Dennerlein, J. T. (2016). Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Issues. In Elsevier eBooks (p. 577). Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-803678-5.00139-9
4. Ergonomic guidelines for manual material handling. (2007). https://doi.org/10.26616/nioshpub2007131
5. Kamat, S. R., Zula, N. E. N. M., Rayme, N. S., Shamsuddin, S., & Husain, K. (2017). The ergonomics body posture on repetitive and heavy lifting activities of workers in aerospace manufacturing warehouse. In IOP Conference Series Materials Science and Engineering (Vol. 210, p. 12079). IOP Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899x/210/1/012079
6. Pandve, H. T. (2014). Role of Ergonomics in Health Care. In Journal of Ergonomics (Vol. 4, Issue 1). OMICS Publishing Group. https://doi.org/10.4172/2165-7556.1000e121
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